Motivational . Inspirational
Based: Johannesburg
Steve Barnett is The Silent Conductor. Without speaking, and armed with only a baton, enlivened by energy and humour, he conducts orchestras like none other on Earth. No one in his charge has rehearsed, and for some it may be the first time they have wielded an instrument. But the music they create together amazes and inspires. Using only simple percussion instruments and charisma—and without saying a word—the Silent Conductor inspires his audience to sculpt a symphony that is uniquely theirs. He has conducted groups of thousands of novices, and they have created music that competes with the pros in its transcendental beauty. He knits together teams and builds unity. He says nothing, but his music speaks volumes.
Specialties include:
Non-verbal communication
Motivation through positive engagement
Leadership through action
Learning through experience
About the presenter:
Steve Barnett was born and raised in South Africa where he was infused with the country’s unique rhythm. He believes that the pulse and energy of his homeland are a real value to share with the world. Steve has been a ‘Non-Speaker’ on the Professional Speakers circuit for the past 18 years. Without saying a word, he conducts his audiences and they become his orchestra. Using simple percussion instruments, humour, and positive energy he engages his audience with dynamic ease and moulds an orchestra from each group he encounters, be they 30 people in corporate surroundings, 3 000 in an auditorium or 30 000 in a soccer stadium. Each session combines the laughter and celebration of making music with the joy of communicating together on the most fundamental level.
Steve’s engaging performance is a dramatic illustration of what can be achieved by working together in a positive way. Cultural, social and language barriers are forgotten as the audience become part of an experience that transcends words, where music is the metaphor.
There is no rehearsal, and there is no need for anyone in the audience to have any experience playing a musical instrument. Through his orchestrating, Steve subtly and quietly teaches the principles of effective leadership, effortless innovation, teamwork and change management. His orchestrations are a dramatic illustration of what can be achieved by working together in a positive, constructive collaboration.
Steve Barnett has conducted and animated audiences in over 50 countries across 6 continents with hundreds of thousands of ‘performers’ over the past 18 years. He has guided audiences in venues ranging from Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall in London, to bush lodges in Africa and despite having worked with hundreds of thousands of ‘musicians’, every event Steve hosts is still unique.
About the presentation:
Imagine an entire audience of non-musicians effortlessly transforming into an orchestra in mere minutes. Imagine a conductor who does not utter a word, yet who speaks volumes – about leadership, communication, cooperation and synergy. Imagine a learning experience more powerful than words…
Steve has developed a unique non-verbal approach to group events. Every member of the audience plays an instrument, and so becomes an integral part of an interactive, musical encounter that crosses all barriers of language and culture. Regardless of the level of musical experience—from accomplished musicians to complete novices—all participants are united, motivated and inspired. Using facial expressions and body language as his tools of communication, Steve guides his audience in the discovery of the power of collaboration with these Basic Rules of Engagement:
Actions speak louder than words
Make work serious fun
Use the power of one to one
Smile, make eye contact, listen
Encourage the good stuff
Demonstrate belief in people
